Verdict of Love

Austin Opera is presenting Verdict of Love at the Butler Performance Center this weekend, September 11 and 12. It's a new opera still in progress, so you're catching it while it's being worked on rather than as a finished production. The story takes place in Belle Époque Rome and follows three young American artists who get drawn in by a young Italian named Donatello. He brings a sculpture of a 'Marble Faun' to life, while a stranger shadows them and a surprising murder complicates their relationships. It's the kind of plot that works well on a stage—a mix of art, mystery, and a bit of the supernatural.

One thing to know before you go is how the evening is structured. The work is presented in two halves: Part One is sung with piano accompaniment, and Part Two continues the story as a staged reading. It's a hybrid format that lets you hear the music and follow the plot without the full scale of a traditional opera production around it. The music and lyrics are by Jeff Britting, with a libretto by Ann Ciccolella, who also directed the piece. Music direction is by Vakhtang Zaalishvili.

There are three chances to see it over the weekend. The first is Friday, September 11, at 7:30 PM. On Saturday, September 12, there's a matinee at 2:00 PM and another evening performance at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $30 for regular admission and $15 for students. The Butler Performance Center is at 5811 Trade Center Drive in Austin.